John Degenkolb delighted with top five finish at Milan-San Remo
John Degenkolb of Team Project 1t4i is happy with his fifth place finish during the fourth largest race of the season, Milan-San Remo.
The Dutch side started the Italian race with a goal of at least one cyclist finishing in the top five and is happy to achieve just that.
Simon Gerrans claimed the top position with a total time o f 6 hours, 59 minutes and 24 seconds.
Fabian Cancellara and Vincenzo Nibali finished moments behind to occupy the second and the third spots.
Peter Sagan claimed the fourth spot with Degenkolb at the fifth spot.
“I am very satisfied with this result. Of course, there will soon be questions of whether I think I can win in the future. It was a wonderful race with an exciting finale and I showed that this race suits me”, said Degenkolb.
He continued, “I was in something of a tough spot in San Remo, ahead, three riders were gone and I opened the sprint behind them. I had to take the risk that someone would come from behind”.
The 23-year-old started his professional pursuit with Team HTC-Highroad in 2011. He claimed a number of victories during his stay with the American side.
Degenkolb claimed two stages at the Criterium du Dauphine and a stage each at the Volta ao Algarve and Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen 2011.
He finished first at the Rund um den Finanzplatz Eschborn-Frankfurt and secured the second spot at the Trofeo Cala MIllor in the past season.
Former German sprinter and the four-time winner of the Milan-San Remo Erik Zabel praised his performance during the race.
He also noted that Degenkolb’s fifth place finish during his first appearance at the Italian race is a clear indication that he is pretty much capable to claim the overall victory at the race.
Zabel explained that Degenkolb is a pure talent and has already found the right momentum at a young age of 23.
It is believed that John will now be seen in action at the Tour of Flanders and the Paris-Roubaix to pursue his 2012goals.
It will be interesting to see if Degenkolb can continue his winning momentum for the coming part of the season.
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